Impact of next-generation 5G cellular communications on honey bees

Abstract

The article discusses the impact of ultra-high-frequency (microwave) radiation of a new generation of 5G networks on honey bees. It has been shown that alternating electromagnetic fields can have a harmful effect on bees. Exposure standards are considered, an analysis of the 5G electromagnetic radiation (EMR) effect on bees and methods of protection against exposure is carried out. The Specific Absorption Rate (SAR) value was calculated and it was concluded that the specific absorbed power is significantly less than the value causing the thermal effect on a honey bee. EMP protection can be provided by time, distance and shielding. An effective means of protection against the electromagnetic radiation effects is shielding of radiation sources using shields. When shielding high-frequency electromagnetic fields, the induced currents are concentrated near the screen surface; wherein at the penetration distance δ into the screen material the magnitude of components E and H decreases by 2.73 times. The results of calculating the efficiency of shielding bee hives from 5G EMR and energy flux density (EFD) inside bee hives showed the applicability of shields made of aluminum and steel to protect bees from 5G radiation.